Van Wert Health is following federal, state, and local guidelines for the safe, equitable, and efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Now Vaccinating - Ohio Phase 1B
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available at no cost to people age 75 and older. Vaccinations are only available at this time for residents of Van Wert County.
If you are 75 or older and want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please call to schedule an appointment: 419-238-8888 and leave a voicemail with your name, date of birth, and phone number. A staff member will return your call to schedule your appointment.
Appointments for the vaccine clinic this week at Van Wert Health are filled. We do not have any remaining appointments available this week.
We will continue to do everything in our power to distribute the vaccine to the community as soon as we receive them.
Keep checking our website and social media pages for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination.
Day of Your Vaccine Appointment
The day of your vaccine appointment, please enter through Door #6 of the hospital (this is the former main entrance of the old hospital). Handicap parking is available close to the door.
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. This is to prevent overcrowding in our clinic waiting area. Appointments will take 15-30 minutes total.
Van Wert Health requires everyone to bring a photo ID with their date of birth and address listed on it. Expired IDs will be permitted. Vaccinations are only available at this time for residents of Van Wert County.
Waiting List
Vaccine supply is limited. After our current vaccine supply is depleted, we will have a waitlist available for those people who wish to receive a vaccine. We will contact people on the waiting list when additional doses of the vaccine are available.
For patients interested in the vaccine who are not yet eligible, we will continue to keep you informed. We will post information and scheduling instructions soon.
We ask you to remain hopeful and patient as this process unfolds. Everyone who wants a vaccine will ultimately be offered one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before, During, and After my Vaccine Visit
What will the vaccine cost?
There is no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine.
What should I do during my vaccine visit?
Wear your mask into the vaccine clinic and during your vaccination. You will receive a fact sheet from the manufacturer of the authorized COVID-19 vaccine that you received. Make sure you review this and ask any questions you may have before leaving.
What should I do after my vaccine visit?
Sign up for V-safe at cdc.gov/vsafe. V-safe is a free, smartphone-based tool that uses texts and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive your vaccination. This step is optional.
Continue to wear your mask and practice social distancing.
Can I get the vaccine if I am not feeling well?
If you have had COVID within the past 10 days, or COVID-like symptoms within the past 10 days, your vaccination will be rescheduled. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever greater than 100F, and/or loss of taste or smell.
How many shots do I get?
It depends on what company manufactures your vaccine. Most COVID-19 vaccine schedules require two shots. You will get the same type of shot for the second dose as you did with the first dose. You should still receive the second dose even if you had side effects from the first dose.
Also, in the United States, the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable, meaning, you should not get one of each; both shots should be the same product. The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated.
Currently, Van Wert Health only has the Moderna vaccine. We will update this information if we receive other brands in the future.
Will I need to get this shot every year like the flu shot?
It is no currently known what the maintenance vaccine schedule will be.
How soon is the vaccine effective?
The vaccines protect best after the series is complete, and the efficacy of the 2-shot regimen is what the FDA evaluated. It is important to get both shots to be fully protected. The vaccines are considered fully effective within 10 days of the second shot.
How long does immunity from the vaccine last?
It is still too early to determine how long after immunization or infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19; there will be ongoing evaluation of immunity in clinical trials.
Do I still need to wear a mask and physically distance after I’ve had 2 doses of vaccine?
Yes. Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before changing recommendations about masking and physically distancing. For more information, visit CDC's COVID-19 FAQs.
Second Dose Questions
How will my second dose be scheduled?
Once the first dose is administered, we will automatically schedule your second dost appointment on the appropriate day based on the date of your first dose and the manufacturer's recommended dosing schedule (Moderna vaccine is 28 days after the first dose).
What if I can’t get my second shot on the exact date required?
The second dose should be given after 28 days (Moderna). There is a +/- 4-day grace period for receiving the second dose in which patients are considered as being vaccinated "on time."
Patients who are greater than 32 days from initial Moderna vaccination should still receive their second Moderna dose as soon as possible. The vaccine series does not need to be repeated.
Are the side effects worse for the second dose?
Common side effects for both vaccines include fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and muscle and/or joint aches and pain in addition to redness and swelling at the vaccination site. And, these side effects have been more frequent with the second dose.
Is the 15-minute evaluation period still necessary for the second dose?
Patients who receive their second dose of the vaccine should be evaluated for 15 minutes after vaccination. Reactions to the vaccine could occur after the second shot as well for those who did not have one with the first dose.
COVID-19 Vaccine and other Vaccinations
Does the COVID-19 vaccine take the place of the pneumonia vaccine or the flu vaccine?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine does not take the place of the pneumonia vaccine or the flu vaccine. It is important to be up to date on all immunization including pneumonia and flu vaccines in addition to COVID-19. Please consult with your health care provider regarding which vaccines are recommended for you.
Can I get another vaccine like the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day?
No. Currently, it is recommended that no additional vaccines are given two weeks before or after your COVID-19 vaccine.
Want more information on the COVID-19 vaccines?
Read the fact sheets below for more information on the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.